Why Everyone Needs a Flu Shot

Did you get your flu shot? If not, you should. The flu shot is the best way to reduce the likelihood that you’ll get the flu. Every year millions of people get the flu. Most people with the flu, at the very least, miss weeks of work or school. Some are hospitalized. Some develop serious illnesses. In some cases, the flu can lead to death.

Who should get a flu vaccine? Everyone should get a flu vaccine, except for babies under 6 months old and people who have an allergy to the flu vaccine or any of the ingredients in the vaccine. People who are sick should wait until they are healthy before getting the flu shot.

Still not convinced? Read on to find out how a flu shot can keep you and your family flu-free this year.

What is the Flu?

The flu is a respiratory infection. Flu symptoms can range from mild to severe. It’s much worse than just cold and can knock you out for weeks. Symptoms of this contagious illness include:

• Fever
• Chills
• A cough
• Muscle aches
• Headaches
• A stuffy or a runny nose
• A sore throat
• Tiredness
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

Everyone is at risk for catching the flu, but specific populations such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with certain medical conditions are particularly vulnerable to serious complications from the flu.

The good news is that you can reduce your chances of getting the flu and reduce your chances of spreading it to your family by getting a shot every year. Need more convincing?

Why You Should Get a Flu Shot

Will the flu shot guarantee you won’t get the flu? Unfortunately, there are so many strains of the flu and they change every year that one shot can’t prevent all types of flu viruses. But, even so, research shows that if you do develop the flu, getting a shot reduces related illnesses and the risk of serious complications.

If you’re still not convinced that you and the members of your family need a flu shot every year, here are a few more reasons for you to consider:

It prevents deaths

A 2017 study showed that flu vaccination significantly reduces a child’s risk of dying from the flu.

Viruses change

Viruses change from year to year, so last year’s vaccine won’t necessarily protect you against this year’s flu strains. Plus, the protective benefits of a flu vaccine decline over time, so your best bet is to get one every year.

Protects newborns

For pregnant women, a flu vaccine not only protects them, but it also protects their babies for the first few months of life, when babies are too young to get a flu vaccine.

Protects other family members

Because the flu vaccine does not prevent all cases of the flu, it’s important for everyone in your family to get a shot to reduce everyone’s risk.

Other Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Getting the Flu

While the flu shot is your best bet to ensure that you don’t get the flu, there are other precautions you can take to further protect yourself and your family against this potentially dangerous infection. Here are some:

• Wash your hands frequently
• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose as much as you can
• Get plenty of sleep
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Reduce or manage the stress in your life
• Stay away from sick people

For more information about why, when, and where to get a flu shot, call us at Danvers Family Doctors, P.C., in Danvers, Massachusetts, or make an appointment online.